The proper fit is just as important as the safety requirements themselves. We as parents are always trying to get the most out of what we buy for our children, especially if it is costly. The downside to that is an improper fit can cause all sorts of havoc.
Here are a few tips on how to get the proper fit for the safety equipment that you child need to compete.
Get the Right Fit.
The helmet, gloves and shoes need to fit snugly. Do not compromise safety by buying these items with "plenty of room to grow". An incorrect fit can actually be more dangerous than no gear at all. However, when purchasing a suit or jacket it is wise to leave extra space for future growth by purchasing at least one size larger then your child is currently wearing. Also, do not forget to leave room for what ever will be worn under the suit, especially chest and rib protectors. This additional size will not compromise either safety or performance, and will be more comfortable in the warmer climates.
Lets start with a quick fitment instruction for the basic safety equipment.
Helmet Fitment
Put the helmet on and fasten the chin strap. Have your child relax his neck, the hold onto the chin portions of the helmet and move the helmet side to side and up and down. If the head moves with the helmet it fits. If the helmet slips a little with out fully moving the head, the helmet is too big.
Helmet Support Fitment
Helmets supports should fit snugly, but shouldn't choke your child. If your child is between a size opt for the larger size, slip off the nylon cover and trim the foam as needed to get an appropriate fit. Also keep in mind these support are used for support helmets, they are not Head and Neck restraints and should not be used as such.
Glove Fitment
Have your child put on the gloves, ask them to grip an item with a similar width as a steering wheel (a fat marker, two of your fingers, a stick or a pole). If their grip is solid, with no slipping or interference from too long fingertips, then the gloves fit properly. if the glove are too tight the child will not be able to grip things firmly. The glove should fit snugly and should feel tighter
then regular winter gloves. Double check the finger tips and make sure they are not too long, 1.4 in out is plenty.
Shoe Fitment
Shoes should fit snugly but is sized just like your regular shoes. A thumb lengths and the end of the big toe is sufficient. Keep in mind that racing shoe and boots are narrow in the sole, so you may need a size larger in order to accommodate a wider foot. Also watch as some of these shoes are sold in Euro sizes that need to be converted over to our sizing for proper fit.
Suit Fitment
The Racing or karting suit should fit well. It should not be too short or long, and should have the proper allowances for things like nomex underwear, rib protectors, and street clothes. They should not constrict when the child sit in the race seat, nor be too baggy to get caught in the seat or belts. A two piece suit is a great option. The allow for growth of the child, you also may replace it less often, being able to buy the pieces separate. These are also great for pre teen girls who may need additional room in the hips and chest, but not in the torso.
Once again, when in doubt ASK!!! Proper fit is very important to your child's safety and comfort.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Does my child have the right Safety Gear?
Have you ever looked at your child's safety gear and asked yourself... does my child really have the right gear? Does it fit properly? Is the safety rating high enough for the event?
When selecting racing safety gear, it is often hard to determine which gear is right for the Racing application you are doing. Here are a few basic guideline to go by when choosing the proper equipment for your child.
Lets start with the Rules.
Each sanctioning group has very specific rules regarding safety gear for the participant, so make sure whatever items you purchase are legal to race in your club or at the track you are participating on. Even if your home track may be a little laxed about the rules, the next track you visit probably will. It is better to fully comply with the rules then have your child restricted from competition.
Safety first-then Style.
If your child is very young, has never raced before or never spent time at a race track, you might want to hold off on the custom suit. Yes, your child look absolutely adorable dressed exactly like their favorite NASCAR driver, however it will not increase their safety or speed on the track. You should consider the gears safety rating and construction first- then select the color and styling. You will find out fairly quickly if racing is a passing phase or a true passion, and it is a passion!! There will be plenty of opportunities to practice "fashion intimidation"!!
Take care of the Gear you already have.
Children are notoriously rough on all clothing, especially around the elbows and knees. Racing gear is essentially smaller versions of adult racing gear and is not designed to be play clothes. Have you child take off their suit and boots as soon as they are off the track. This will protect the integrity of the gear and help avoid replacing items before they need to be. Many parents have a designated "Home Base" for the gear. This is a place where all gear is returned after each track session. The drivers seat seems to be a popular place for these items. This habit also helps the racer from loosing items and teaches them to be responsible for their own racing equipment.
When in Doubt ask Questions !!!!
Keeping your child in the right safety gear is like trying to hit a moving target. The rules change, the kids grow, new products are released, and so on. Don't hesitate to ask other parents, safety gear manufactures, club officers, for suggestions and input. Forums are a great place to find out information and discuss your racing venue.
Please feel free to post comments, helpful hints, and feedback!! We love to hear from you!
When selecting racing safety gear, it is often hard to determine which gear is right for the Racing application you are doing. Here are a few basic guideline to go by when choosing the proper equipment for your child.
Lets start with the Rules.
Each sanctioning group has very specific rules regarding safety gear for the participant, so make sure whatever items you purchase are legal to race in your club or at the track you are participating on. Even if your home track may be a little laxed about the rules, the next track you visit probably will. It is better to fully comply with the rules then have your child restricted from competition.
Safety first-then Style.
If your child is very young, has never raced before or never spent time at a race track, you might want to hold off on the custom suit. Yes, your child look absolutely adorable dressed exactly like their favorite NASCAR driver, however it will not increase their safety or speed on the track. You should consider the gears safety rating and construction first- then select the color and styling. You will find out fairly quickly if racing is a passing phase or a true passion, and it is a passion!! There will be plenty of opportunities to practice "fashion intimidation"!!
Take care of the Gear you already have.
Children are notoriously rough on all clothing, especially around the elbows and knees. Racing gear is essentially smaller versions of adult racing gear and is not designed to be play clothes. Have you child take off their suit and boots as soon as they are off the track. This will protect the integrity of the gear and help avoid replacing items before they need to be. Many parents have a designated "Home Base" for the gear. This is a place where all gear is returned after each track session. The drivers seat seems to be a popular place for these items. This habit also helps the racer from loosing items and teaches them to be responsible for their own racing equipment.
When in Doubt ask Questions !!!!
Keeping your child in the right safety gear is like trying to hit a moving target. The rules change, the kids grow, new products are released, and so on. Don't hesitate to ask other parents, safety gear manufactures, club officers, for suggestions and input. Forums are a great place to find out information and discuss your racing venue.
Please feel free to post comments, helpful hints, and feedback!! We love to hear from you!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Welcome!!!
AAR Racing Gear is excited to welcome you to our Blogspot. We are going to be posting lots of interesting articles, new products and of course features on your favorite events. I encourage anyone with time and an interesting racing story to let us know!!! We love to hear from you.
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